Composition for enhancing immunity, containing ginseng berry polysaccharides

Abstract

The specification relates to a composition for enhancing immunity, comprising a ginseng berry polysaccharide as an active ingredient. The composition can increase the expression of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α by using ingredients derived from natural products. In addition, the composition can exhibit excellent immunity enhancement effects because of the unique components and structure of a ginseng berry polysaccharide.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for enhancing immunity of a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of a ginseng ( Panax ginseng  C.A. Meyer) berry polysaccharide to a subject in need thereof, and
 wherein the ginseng berry polysaccharide is extracted from a water soluble component in an ethanol insoluble fraction of a ginseng berry, and wherein the ginseng berry polysaccharide comprises galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid, and 
 wherein the galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid are comprised at from 5 wt % to 25 wt % with respect to a total weight of the ginseng berry polysaccharide. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the ginseng berry polysaccharide further comprises arabinose and galactose. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the ginseng berry polysaccharide has a reactivity of 40% or more with respect to 100% of a reactivity of standard arabino-β-3,6-galactan when being treated with β-glucosyl Yariv reagent. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the ginseng berry polysaccharide increases expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6). 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the ginseng berry polysaccharide increases expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12). 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the ginseng berry polysaccharide increases expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).